Under IHL guidelines, persons eligible for the doctor of laws, doctor of science, doctor of humane letters, doctor of creative and performing arts or doctor of public service must have demonstrated nationally recognized sustained achievement in scholarship, public service, creative and performing arts or professional activity.

Faculty, staff, and administrators of the university and elected or appointed public officials are ineligible for an honorary degree until one year after leaving their position. Candidates for public office also are ineligible.

Those who are eligible to submit nominations are MSU faculty, staff, students and alumni.